2005 FORD EXPEDITION NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Ford Expedition?
With new top-of-the-line trim levels called Limited and King Ranch, seven versions of the 2005 Ford Expedition are on sale this year. The Expedition Limited series includes body-colored running boards, grille, cladding and fascias, as well as color-keyed power folding mirrors. Chrome roof rails with black crossbars, 17-inch aluminum wheels and blackout headlamps complete the exterior modifications to the Limited. Inside this zooty new trim level, monochromatic seating surfaces and wood trim tantalize the senses. The Expedition King Ranch adds Castano leather upholstery, a genuine wood steering wheel, and additional wood interior trim. Special 17-inch wheels identify the King Ranch model, which includes a KR logo on the wheel center caps, and the King Ranch is offered in a unique Pueblo Gold two-tone paint treatment. All 2005 Ford Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 now that the formerly standard 4.6-liter V8 has been discontinued. New options include a Safety and Security package which nets a side airbag safety canopy and reverse sensing system, and a Technical Convenience package that contains remote keyless entry, an electrochromic rearview mirror and heated side mirrors.

Advantages of the 2005 Ford Expedition:

• Responsive steering and tight turning circle make it feel smaller than it is
• Mommy-'n-Me middle rear seat
• Availability of items such as a reverse sensing system, AdvanceTrac stability control, heated and cooled front seats, power folding third-row seat
• Available side curtain airbags with rollover protection

Objections to the 2005 Ford Expedition:

• Archaic CD-ROM-based navigation system option
• Load floor is not flat with rear seats folded
• Lots of interior noise when underway
• Rear seat comfort could use improvement
• No diesel engine offering

Editor's Advice:
When Ford introduced the Expedition in 1997, General Motors ruled the large SUV marketplace with the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Suburbans sold under both nameplates. Ford captured significant market share with that first Expedition, which was sized in between the Tahoe and Suburban and could still easily fit into most garages. Today, competitors from DaimlerChrysler, Nissan and Toyota are playing in the same space, and the 2005 Ford Expedition no longer carries the same novelty or impact it once did. A redesign for 2003 brought with it higher levels of interior refinement, sharper responsiveness and an improved ride, but the 5.4-liter V8 engine offered in the 2005 Ford Expedition underwhelms in terms of power. Benefits of Ford Expedition ownership include the available side curtain airbag system with rollover protection and a myriad of optional creature comforts. Downsides include the noisy interior, rear seat comfort and the fact that the cargo floor isn't flat when the seats are folded. Overall, the 2005 Ford Expedition is worth a look, but isn't necessarily a class-leader. Unless we absolutely needed the extra space, we'd rather drive the Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia.